Facsimile apparatus using a small computer system interface

ABSTRACT

A facsimile apparatus having a scanner for reading original images, a memory for storing images, a printer for recording images, and a communication control section for controlling the transmission/reception of data with a receiving communication apparatus is connected to a host computer via a small computer system interface (SCSI). As a result, the scanner, the memory, the printer and the communication control apparatus provided in the facsimile apparatus can be controlled from the host computer. Data can be transferred between the host computer and the facsimile apparatus at a higher speed, and the scanner, the memory, the printer and the communication control apparatus can be effectively controlled from the host computer. Thus, various kinds of applications can be realized.

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/889,199filed May 28, 1992, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to a facsimile apparatuswhich realizes various kinds of applications by controlling a scanner,printer, image memory, line control section or the like, whichconstitute the facsimile apparatus, by means of an external hostcomputer.

2. Description of the Related Art

Hitherto, systems have been developed which realize various kinds ofapplications by controlling a scanner, printer, memory and line controlsection provided in a facsimile apparatus by means of a host computer.Conventional RS-232C and GPIB interfaces are used therein as interfacingtechniques for connecting the facsimile apparatus to the host computer.

However, in the above-described prior art, there are operationalproblems in that there is a limitation on the data transfer speedbecause interface techniques, such as RS-232C or GPIB, are used, andthat it takes too much time to transfer images.

In addition, there is a drawback in that, since there is a limitation onthe data transfer speed, the host computer cannot realize various kindsof applications by controlling the scanner, printer, memory, linecontrol section or the like provided in the facsimile apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been achieved to solve the above-mentionedproblems of the prior art.

An object of the present invention is to provide a facsimile apparatuswhich is capable of increasing the speed at which data is transferredbetween a host computer and a facsimile apparatus and of effectivelyutilizing a scanner, printer, memory, line control section or the likeprovided in the facsimile apparatus by instructions from the hostcomputer by using the small computer system interface (SCSI) forinterfacing a host computer with a facsimile apparatus. This is aconventional interface whose description is published, for example bythe American National Standards Institute at ANSI X3.131-1986.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a facsimileapparatus which is capable of storing images read by the image readingsection of the facsimile apparatus as files in the host computer andcapable of controlling the transmission and recording thereof uponinstructions from the host computer.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a facsimileapparatus which is capable of entering images from a host computer intothe memory of the facsimile apparatus and is capable of controlling thetransmission and recording of the entered images under instructions fromthe host computer.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide afacsimile apparatus in which a host computer, connected to a facsimileapparatus, which is capable of controlling the facsimile apparatus,obtains information on the apparatus with which it communicates fromsaid facsimile apparatus and thereafter instructs the facsimileapparatus to transmit or receive images.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide afacsimile apparatus which is capable of notifying the host computer ofinformation on images stored in the facsimile apparatus in a data formatselected by the host computer from among a plurality of data formats.

Objectives and advantages in addition to those discussed above shall beapparent to those skilled in the art from the description of thepreferred embodiment of the invention which follows. In the description,reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a parthereof, and which illustrate an example of the invention. Such example,however, is not exhaustive of the various embodiments of the invention,and therefore reference is made to the appended claims for determiningthe scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the entire construction of afacsimile apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram which illustrates an example in which logicunits are assigned to the blocks which constitute the facsimileapparatus according to this embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart which illustrates the outline of processingcommands inputted from an interface 9 with a host computer;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart which illustrates in detail operations forprocessing an entire logic unit command in step S307 shown in FIG. 3;

FIGS. 5-1 and 5-2 are flowcharts which illustrate in detail operationsfor processing various kinds of commands to a scanner unit 6 in stepS308 shown in FIG. 3;

FIGS. 6-1 and 6-2 are flowcharts which illustrate printer commandprocessing;

FIGS. 7-1, 7-2, 7-3 and 7-4 are flowcharts which illustrate imagecommand processing;

FIGS. 8-1, 8-2, 8-3 and 8-4 are flowcharts which illustrate operationsconcerning communication command processing;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart which illustrates in detail a call transmissionoperation;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart which illustrates a session mode transmissionoperation;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart which illustrates an operation concerningreception request processing;

FIGS. 12-1 and 12-2 are flowcharts which illustrate an operationconcerning a call polling procedure;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart which illustrates a session mode pollingreception operation;

FIG. 14 is a table which lists a group of parameters for a logic unitcommand;

FIG. 15 is a table which lists a group of parameters for a scanner unitcommand;

FIG. 16 is a table which lists a group of parameters for a printer unitcommand;

FIG. 17 is a table which lists a group of parameters for an image unitcommand;

FIG. 18 is a table which lists a group of parameters for a communicationunit command;

FIG. 19 is a table which shows a file information request command; and

FIG. 20 is a table which lists file information parameters.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be explained belowin detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the entire construction of afacsimile apparatus (hereinafter referred to as an apparatus) accordingto an embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, a CPU 1controls the entire apparatus in accordance with control programs storedin a ROM 2. Work areas and control data are temporarily stored in a RAM3. An image memory 4 is a memory through which image data is handled. Animage conversion section 5 converts resolution, paper size, and anencoding method.

In this apparatus, an original document (image) is read by an imagereading section such as a scanner 6 and printed out by an imagerecording section such as a printer 7. Communication protocols betweenthis apparatus and a communication network are controlled by a linecontrol section 8. Communication protocols between this apparatus and ahost computer 15 are controlled by an interface section 9 with a hostcomputer. In the present invention, a small computer system interface(SCSI) is used as an interface. SCSI is an interface by which data canbe transferred at a speed higher than that by RS-232C or GPIB.

A file management section 10 manages documents created inside afacsimile apparatus, and the documents are stored in a storage apparatus11. Operations of the facsimile apparatus are performed by an operationsection 12. The line control section 8 is connected by a dedicated cable13 to the network, and the interface section 9 with a host computer isconnected by a dedicated cable 14 to the host computer 15.

A detailed explanation will now be given about the control of afacsimile apparatus according to this embodiment. Since operations, suchas transmission, reception, or copying, and methods employed in afacsimile apparatus, are well known, the explanation thereof is omittedhere.

Thus, only the control of this apparatus from outside via the interface9 with a host computer will be described below in detail.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example in which logic units are assigned to theblocks which constitute the facsimile apparatus. In this figure, anentire logic unit 21 is a unit in which the entire facsimile apparatusis considered as one unit. In a scanner 22, a printer 23, an imagememory 24, and a line unit 25, a logic ID (LUN: logic unit number) isset thereto with reference to a scanner section, a printer section, animage memory section, and a line control section respectively whichcomprise a functional block. In this embodiment, a specific command isset to each of these units so that the functions of each unit areutilized to their fullest and the burden on the host computer 15 isminimized.

Next, functions provided in the units will be described unit by unit.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart which illustrates the outline of processingcommands inputted from an interface 9 with a host computer. The CPU 1processes commands in accordance with this flowchart. In this figure, insteps S301 to S305, a check is made, for example from the LUN, todetermine to which unit a command is issued. In steps S307 to S311, acommand process for each unit is performed on the basis of thedetermination results of steps S301 to S305, respectively. Step S306concerns a step for a case in which invalid commands, such as undefinedcommands, are input, but this step is basically not performed.

<Entire Logic Unit Command Processing>

FIG. 4 is a flowchart which illustrates in detail operations forprocessing an entire logic unit command in step S307 shown in FIG. 3.

(Processing of Reserve Unit Command)

The reserve unit command is a command which should be issued first whenthe facsimile apparatus is controlled by the host computer 15 so as tofully use the functions of the facsimile apparatus. The facsimileapparatus, upon reception of this command, checks the internal operatingstate or the like, and notifies the facsimile apparatus of any change instatus depending upon whether the facsimile apparatus can follow thecontrol by the host computer 15 from this time on.

In this embodiment, after the reserve unit command is processednormally, it is called an "On-Line" mode. In the On-Line mode,processing of commands from the host computer takes precedence overoperations from the operation section 12. To explain more specifically,when it is determined in step S401 shown in FIG. 4 that the command is areserve unit command, the internal state of the facsimile apparatus ischecked in step S410. If the facsimile apparatus is not in a state inwhich various kinds of control commands from the host computer 15 can beexecuted, a confirmation of this status is sent out in step S413 (acheck condition status is sent out on the basis of SCSI protocols). Whenthe confirmation of the status is sent out, the cause thereof can bedetermined when the host computer 15 issues an information requestcommand.

When the result of internal status check is "OK" in step S410, thefacsimile apparatus shifts to the On-Line mode, and an operation fordisplaying the status on the operation section 12 is performed, and thesetting of internal control status is performed. In the subsequent stepS412, an operation for sending out a confirmation of a normal statusindicating that the reserve unit command processing has been terminatednormally is performed (a good status on the basis of SCSI protocols issent out).

(Processing of Release Unit Command)

This command is used to shift from the state in which the facsimileapparatus is placed in the On-Line mode by the reserve unit andprocessing commands from the host computer 15 takes precedence overoperations from the operation section 12 to the Off-Line mode in whichthe facsimile apparatus is operated as an ordinary facsimile apparatus.

When it is determined in step S402 that the command is a releasecommand, an operation for shifting to the Off-Line mode is performed instep S420. When the command from the host computer 15 is being executed,the execution is stopped, the internal status is shifted to the Off-Linemode, and a confirmation of a normal status is sent out in step S421.Thus, the operation is terminated.

(Processing of Information Request Command)

This command is used not only to notify the host computer of thefunctions that this apparatus has, but to notify it of the cause of anabnormality when a confirmation status is sent out.

When it is determined in step S403 that the command is an informationrequest command, in step S430, the facsimile apparatus performs aninternal information notification operation for notifying the hostcomputer of the type of model, version, terminal performance, and thecause of abnormality. In the subsequent step S431, a confirmation of anormal status is sent out, terminating the command processing.

In step S404, an operation for a case in which a command which isundefined for the entire logic unit is received is performed, and aconfirmation of this status is sent out. A list of a parameter groupused for the entire logic unit is shown in FIG. 14. In FIG. 14,reference character PC denotes the host computer 15.

<Scanner Command Processing>

FIGS. 5-1 and 5-2 are flowcharts which illustrate in detail operationsfor processing various kinds of commands for the scanner unit 6 in stepS308 shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 15 is a table which lists a group ofparameters used for the scanner unit command.

(Processing of Scanner Information Request Command)

This command is used to notify the host computer of information aboutthe scanner unit 6, such as the presence or absence, or size of anoriginal document, or the presence or absence of any defects.

When it is determined in step S501 shown in FIG. 5-1 that the command isa scanner information request command, the scanner information shown inFIG. 15 is sent to the host computer in step S510, and a confirmation ofa normal status regarding this operation is sent out in step S511. Thisterminates the series of operations.

(Processing of Reading Parameter Setting Command)

This command is used to receive the designation of the reading modebefore a reading request command is received. The designation of areading mode includes the setting of the resolution, the encoding methodand the like. Regarding processing, when it is determined in step S502that the command is a reading parameter setting command, a predeterminedparameter shown in FIG. 15 is received in step S520, and a confirmationof a normal status regarding this operation is sent out in step S521.Thus, the operation is terminated.

(Processing of Reading Request Command)

This command is used to read an original document set in a scanner afterthe aforesaid reading parameter setting command is received, and tostore image data in the storage apparatus 11 inside the facsimileapparatus.

When it is determined in step S503 that the command is a reading requestcommand, a check is made of the status of the scanner unit 6 and whetheror not the reading parameter has been set. When it has not been set, thescanner is operated using a default value. If the apparatus is in a modein which the reading operation cannot be performed, a confirmation ofthis status is sent out in step S533, terminating the operation. If thereading operation can be performed, the apparatus is disconnected instep S532 so that the logical connection with the host computer istemporarily released and the apparatus is switched to a mode in whichother commands (particularly a stop command) can be received. Next, areading operation is performed in step S534 by using the functions ofthe facsimile apparatus. In the subsequent step S535, an operation forentering and storing a file is performed by the file management section10.

Thus, the image can be read by the scanner inside the facsimileapparatus after the resolution, encoding method or the like arespecified by the host computer. Furthermore, the image can be filed.After the file entry operation is completed, a reselecting operation isperformed in step S536 so that the logical connection with the hostcomputer is made again. Thereafter, in step S537, a check is made todetermine whether the reading operation has been terminated normally orabnormally. If the reading operation has been terminated abnormally, aconfirmation of this status is sent out in step S538. If the readingoperation has been terminated normally, a confirmation of a normalstatus is sent out in step S539. This terminates the series ofoperations.

(Processing of File Information Request Command)

This command is used to notify the host computer of file informationcreated as a result of executing the reading request command, forexample, a file management ID, file size, or the like.

Regarding processing, when it is determined in step S504 in FIG. 5-2that the command is a file information request command, file informationis sent out in step S540. In the subsequent step S541, a confirmation ofa normal status regarding this operation is sent out. This terminatesthe operation.

(Processing of Stop Command)

This command is used to stop a reading operation in response toreceiving a reading request command when the apparatus is reading anoriginal document. When it is determined in step S505 that the commandis a stop command, the reading operation is stopped in step S550. Aconfirmation of a normal status regarding this operation is sent out instep S551 to notify the host computer that the stop command has beenexecuted. Postprocessing, incidental to the discontinuation of thereading operation, is performed in step S552. This terminates theoperation.

(Processing of Status Request Command)

This command is issued after a confirmation status regarding otherscanner command processing is sent out and used to notify the hostcomputer of the reasons why the confirmation of this status has beenissued.

Regarding processing, when it is determined in step S506 that thecommand is a status request command, predetermined status information issent out in step S560. A confirmation of a normal status is sent out instep S561. This terminates the operation.

In step S507, when an undefined scanner command is received, aconfirmation of this status is sent out.

<Printer Command Processing>

FIGS. 6-1 and 6-2 are flowcharts which illustrate the operationconcerning printer command processing. FIG. 16 is a table which lists agroup of parameters used for a printer unit command.

(Processing of Printer Information Request Command)

This command is used to notify the host computer of the presence orabsence of recording paper, the size thereof, defects, or the like inthe printer 7.

When it is determined in step S601 shown in FIG. 6-1 that the command isa printer information request command, the aforesaid presence or absenceof recording paper, size thereof, defects and the like are sent out instep S610. In step S611, a confirmation of a normal status is sent out.This terminates the operation.

(Processing of Print-out Request Command)

This command is used to selectively print documents stored in thefacsimile apparatus.

When it is determined in step S602 that the command is a print-outrequest command, a check is made in step S620 of the status of theprinter, and the presence or absence of the specified file. If anabnormality is detected, a confirmation of this status is sent out instep S621, terminating the operation. If the confirmation of this statusis "OK", the logical connection with the host computer is temporarilydisconnected in step S622. In step S623, the specified file is printedout. After printing, the logical connection with the host computer ismade again. When the result of the printing-out operation indicates "OK"in the determination step of step S625, a confirmation of a normalstatus is sent out in step S626. If the result of the printing-outoperation indicates "not OK", a confirmation of this status is sent outin step S627. Thus, the operation is terminated.

Thus, documents stored within the facsimile apparatus as files can beoutput by the printer of the facsimile apparatus under an instructionfrom the host computer.

(Processing of Discontinue Command)

This command is used to discontinue the execution of a print outputrequest command when the print-out request command is in operation.

When it is determined in step S603 that the command is a discontinuecommand, an operation for discontinuing the printing is performed instep S630. In step S631, a confirmation of a normal status indicatingthat this command has been executed is sent out in step S631.Postprocessing incidental to the discontinuation of the execution of theprint-out request is performed in step S632. Thus, the series ofoperations are terminated.

(Processing of Status Request Command)

This command is issued after a confirmation status regarding otherscanner command processing is sent out and used to notify the hostcomputer of the reasons why the confirmation status has been issued.

Regarding processing, when it is determined in step S604 that thecommand is a status request command, predetermined information is sentout in step S640. A confirmation of a normal status is sent out in stepS641. This terminates the operation.

In step S605, when an undefined printer command is received, aconfirmation of this status is sent out.

<Image Command Processing>

FIGS. 7-1 and 7-2 are flowcharts which illustrate the operationconcerning image command processing. FIG. 17 is a table which lists agroup of parameters used for the image command.

(Processing of Attribute Specification Command)

This command is used to specify attributes as a file, for example, imagesize, resolution, an encoding system in the case of image information,or the coding scheme in the case of character data, before a file iscreated by a data write command which will be described in the nextsection. This command is also used to store the information as theattributes of the file.

Regarding processing, when it is determined in step S701 shown in FIG.7-1 that the command is an attribute specification command, an attributespecification command shown in FIG. 17 is received in step S710. Aconfirmation of a normal status is sent out in step S711. Thus, theoperation is terminated.

(Processing of Data Write Command)

This command is used to transfer data from the host computer to thefacsimile apparatus when a document file is created within the facsimileapparatus. In this embodiment, it is presupposed that one document isstored in one file, though data of a plurality of pages can be storedwith respect to one file. In creating a file, it is in principlenecessary that the specification of attributes of the file be declaredbeforehand by the above-mentioned attribute specification command beforethe data write command is issued.

In creating a file, there is a possibility that the data write commandwill be issued two or more times. Flags used to indicate whether the endof one page of data is reached or not, or the end of a file is reachedor not, can be specified as parameters within this command. By usingthese flags, management for each page and for each document can beperformed.

Specific operations of the present invention will be explained belowwith reference to flowcharts.

When it is determined in step S702 shown in FIG. 7-1 that the command isa data write command, the process status within the facsimile apparatusis checked in step S720. This is done to check if the file attributeshave been specified by the attribute specification command and if thereis a storage capacity sufficient to create a file. If the process statusregarding this operation indicated in this step is "not OK", aconfirmation of this status is sent out in step S721. This terminatesthe operation.

At this point, even if there is document data which has already beenprocessed, when the file entry operation in step S732, which will bedescribed later, has not been terminated normally, the data is discardedunconditionally.

When the process status regarding this operation indicated in step S720is "OK", an operation for inputting document data into the facsimileapparatus is performed in step S722. At this point, if there is anabnormality, such as an insufficient storage capacity, a confirmation ofthis status is sent out in step S724. This terminates the operation.

If, however, it is determined in step S723 that the operation result is"OK", in step S725, a check is made to determine whether the data ispage boundary data. If the data continues as page data, a confirmationof a normal status is sent out in step S726. Then, the facsimileapparatus waits for another data write command to be input.

When the data is page boundary data in step S725, considering the datais determined to be page data, a closing operation under file managementis performed in step S727 shown in FIG. 7-2. In the subsequent stepS728, a check is made to determine whether the closing operation hasbeen terminated normally. If a problem has occurred, a confirmation ofthis status is sent out in step S729. If no problem has occurred, acheck is made to determine whether the end of data in a document filehas been reached.

When the page data continues to be sent, as the data is determined to benot document boundary in step S730, a confirmation of a normal status issent out in step S731, and the apparatus waits for a new data writecommand. When, on the contrary, the end of the data has been reached asa document, the data is entered as a file in step S732. If it isdetermined in step S733 that the operation has been terminated normally,a confirmation of a normal status is sent out in step S735. If, however,it is determined in step S733 that the operation has been terminatedabnormally, a confirmation of this status is sent out in step S734. Thisterminates the operation.

(Processing of File Designation Command)

This command is used to designate a file to be transferred before a dataread command is issued, which data read command is an execution commandused to transfer document data stored in the facsimile apparatus to thehost computer.

When it is determined in step S703 shown in FIG. 7-3 that the command isa file designation command, predetermined file designation informationis received in step S740. In the subsequent step S741, a confirmation ofa normal status regarding this operation is sent out. This terminatesthe operation.

(Processing of Data Read Command)

This command is used to transfer data of the file which is previouslydesignated by the aforesaid file designation command to the hostcomputer.

When it is determined in step S704 that the command is a data readcommand, the internal status regarding this file data transfer operationis checked in step S750. When the status indicates "not OK", aconfirmation of this status is 10 sent out in step S751. This terminatesthe operation. When, on the contrary, the status is "OK", the data istransferred in step S752. In the subsequent step S753, if there is nodata to be transferred in a state in which a specified number oftransfer bytes has not been reached, a confirmation of this status issent out in step S754, and the operation is terminated. If there is datato be transferred, a confirmation of a normal status is sent out in stepS755, and the operation is terminated.

(Processing of File Information Request Command)

This command is used to notify the host computer of information on filesstored in the facsimile apparatus. In this embodiment, three commandtypes are prepared for requesting file information. The host computer isnotified of information corresponding to each of the three commandtypes. These commands are shown in FIG. 19.

When the command type is "file ID list request", a list of IDs of filesstored within the facsimile apparatus is notified as information to thehost computer. When the command type is "individual file informationrequest", as a predetermined file ID and page numbers are specified bythe host computer, file information shown in FIG. 20 is notified to thehost computer on the basis of the specification. When the command typeis "up-to-date file information request", information on the file whichis most recently created is notified to the host computer in the formatshown in FIG. 20.

The file information request command is prepared for the scannercommand, the image memory command, and a communication command. When thecommand type is "up-to-date file information request", information ontheir most recently created file, which is created when a readingrequest command, a data write command, or a reception request command(including a polling reception command) is executed, is notified to thehost computer. As set forth above, in this embodiment, informationstored in the facsimile apparatus can be retrieved in a format in whichthe host computer can easily use the information. Regarding processing,when it is determined in step S705 shown in FIG. 7-4 that the command isa file information request command, file information corresponding tothe command types described above is sent out to the host computer instep S760. In step S761, a confirmation of a normal status regardingthis operation is sent out, and the operation is terminated.

(Processing of File Delete Request Command)

This command is used to delete a specified file. When it is determinedin step S706 that the command is a file delete request command, aspecified file is deleted in step S770. In step S771, a confirmation ofa normal status regarding this operation is sent out, and the operationis terminated. When the specified file does not exist, the processproceeds to the next step where a confirmation of a normal status issent out.

(Processing of Status Request Command)

This command is issued when a confirmation status regarding other imagememory command processing is sent out and used to notify the hostcomputer of the reasons why the confirmation status is sent out.

When it is determined in step S707 that the command is a status requestcommand, predetermined information is sent out in step S780. In stepS781, a confirmation of a normal status is sent out and the operationsis terminated. In step S708, when an undefined image memory command isreceived, a confirmation of this status is sent out.

<Communication Command Processing>

FIGS. 8-1 to 8-4 are flowcharts which illustrate the operationsconcerning communication command processing. FIG. 18 is a table whichlists a group of parameters used for the communication command.

(Processing of Session Open Command)

This command is used to originate calls to a given terminal partner andto control the communication procedures up to a session layer (the fifthlayer from the bottom among the seven layers).

When it is determined in step S801 shown in FIG. 8-1 that the command isa session open command, a calling operation is performed in step S820 byusing address information specified by the host computer, terminalcharacteristics, and terminal performance information. In step S821,session open acknowledge response (RSSP) is received as the operationresult. When it is determined that the calling operation has beenterminated normally, a confirmation of a normal status regarding thisoperation is sent out in step S823. However, if a connection atend-to-end up to the session layer cannot be made, for example, asession start NAK response (RSSN) is received in step S821. In stepS822, a confirmation of this status is sent out, and the operation isterminated.

(Processing of Information on Terminal Partner Request Command)

This command is used to notify the host computer of information on aterminal partner and information on the performance of a terminalpartner, which are notified by RSSP and the like from the terminalpartner, when a connection is made with the terminal partner up to thesession layer in the above-described session open command processing.

When it is determined in step S802 that the command is an information onterminal partner request command, it is confirmed in step S830 that aconnection up to the session layer has been made. When there is no datato be sent out, a confirmation of this status is sent out in step S831,and the operation is terminated. If, on the contrary, the status is "OK"in step S830, the information on the terminal partner is sent out instep S832, and the operation is terminated. The host computer receivingthe information on the terminal partner displays this information on thedisplay section.

As a result, it can be checked whether a desired terminal partner hasbeen reliably called, and whether the desired terminal partner has thecapability for processing a communication application which an operatorof the host computer desires to use. Thus, transmission and reception ofdocuments are made possible on the basis of the checked information.

(Processing of Session Close Command)

This command is used for a line disconnecting operation in a state inwhich a connection up to the session layer has been made.

When it is determined in step S803 that the command is a session closecommand, a disconnecting operation starting from sending out CSE isperformed in step S840. In step S841, a confirmation of a normal statusregarding this operation is sent out, and the operation is terminated.

(Processing of Communication Result Request Command)

This command is used to notify the host computer of the communicationresults when a transmission request command, a reception request commandand a polling reception command, which will be described later, areexecuted. When it is determined in step S804 shown in FIG. 8-2 that thecommand is a communication result request command, in step S850, themost recent communication result is notified to the host computer. Instep S851, a confirmation of a normal status is sent out, and theoperation is terminated.

(Processing of Communication Discontinue Command)

This command is used to discontinue the execution of a transmissionrequest command, a reception request command and a polling receptioncommand, which will be described later.

When it is determined in step S805 that the command is a communicationdiscontinue command, an operation for discontinuing the communication isperformed in step S860 so as to disconnect the line. A confirmation of anormal status regarding this operation is sent out in step S861. In thesubsequent step S862, postprocessing for the command, the execution ofwhich is discontinued, is performed, and the operation is terminated.

(Processing of File Information Request Command)

This command is used to notify the host computer of information on adocument file received by the reception request command or the pollingreception request command.

When it is determined in step S806 that the command is a fileinformation request command, predetermined file information is sent outin step S870. In step S871, a confirmation of a normal status is sentout, and the operation is terminated.

(Processing of Transmission Request Command)

This command is used to make a terminal partner transmit a predetermineddocument file. It is presupposed that the documents to be transmittedare filed beforehand within the facsimile apparatus. There are twoconfigurations in this embodiment in receiving a transmission request.One is a calling transmission request, and the other is a session modetransmission request. The operations for respective requests will bedescribed later. A major difference between the two requests is that therequest includes a calling operation or not.

When it is determined in step S807 shown in FIG. 8-3 that the command isa transmission request command, a check is made to determine whether therequest is a calling transmission request in step S880. If the requestis a calling transmission request, a calling transmission operation(this will be described later in accordance with the flowchart shown inFIG. 9) is performed in step S881. When it is determined in step S880that the request is not a calling transmission request, in step S882, acheck is made to determine whether there is a session mode transmissionrequest.

If it is determined in step S882 that there is a session modetransmission request, a session mode transmission operation (see theflowchart shown in FIG. 10) is performed in step S883. If it isdetermined in both steps S880 and S882 that there is no session modetransmission request, a confirmation of this status is sent out as errorprocessing in step S884, and the operation is terminated.

(Processing of Reception Request Command)

This command is used to make the apparatus receive a document in theon-line mode. Regarding processing, when it is determined in step S808that the command is a reception request command, a reception requestoperation is performed in step S890, and the operation is terminated(the details thereof will be explained with reference to the flowchartshown in FIG. 11).

(Processing of Polling Reception Request Command)

This command is used to receive polling from a given terminal partner.For this command, broadly, two processing configurations are supportedin the same manner as the above-mentioned transmission request command.One is a call polling operation (see FIG. 12) and the other is a sessionmode polling operation (see FIG. 13).

When it is determined in step S809 shown in FIG. 8-4 that the command isa polling reception request command, a check is made in step S900 todetermine whether the request is a call polling request. If the requestis a call polling request, a call polling operation is performed in stepS901. If the request is not a call polling request, a check is made instep S902 to determine whether the request is a session mode pollingrequest. If the request is a session mode polling request, a sessionmode polling operation is performed in step S903.

If the request is not a call polling request in step S900, and if therequest is not a call polling request in step S902, a confirmation ofthis status is sent out as error processing in step S904, and theoperation is terminated.

(Processing of Status Request Command)

This command is issued when a confirmation of the status regarding othercommunication command processing is sent out and used to notify the hostcomputer of the reasons why the the confirmation of the status isissued.

When it is determined in step S810 that the command is a status requestcommand, status information is sent out in step S910, and the operationis terminated.

In step S811, when an undefined scanner command is received, aconfirmation of this status is sent out.

Next, the operations set forth below in the communication commandprocessing shown in FIGS. 8-3 and 8-4 will be explained in detail:

1 the call transmission operation

2 the session mode transmission operation

3 the reception request operation

4 the call polling operation

5 the session mode polling operation.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart which illustrates in detail a call transmissionoperation. In step S1001 shown in FIG. 9, a check is made to determinewhether the apparatus is ready for originating a call. If the calltransmission operation cannot be performed because, for example, thecommunication line is busy, a confirmation of this status is sent out instep S1002, and the operation is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1001 as a result ofconfirming the status that the apparatus is ready to transmit a call, itis disconnected in step S1003 so as to logically release the connectionwith the host computer so that a stop or other command can be received.In step S1004, a calling operation is performed on the basis of theaddress information specified by the host computer so that an operationfor connecting with a terminal partner up to the session layer can beperformed.

In step S1005, a check is made to determine whether the operation forconnecting with the terminal partner has been performed normally. If ithas not, a reselecting operation is performed in step S1006 so that alogical connection with the host computer is made. In the subsequentstep S1007, a confirmation of this status is sent out, and the operationis terminated.

If the operation for connecting with the terminal partner has beenperformed normally in the determination of step S1005, a documentspecified by the host computer is transmitted in step S1008 after aconnection up to the session layer has been completed. If it isdetermined in step S1009 that the operation has been terminatedabnormally, the process proceeds to step S1010. If the operation hasterminated normally, the process proceeds to step S1012.

In step S1010, a check is made to determine whether the facsimileapparatus is in a transmitting/receiving phase. If it is, thecommunication is disconnected in step S1011, and the process proceeds tothe above-mentioned step S1006. If it is not, the process proceedsdirectly to step S1006. In step S1012, the communication isdisconnected. In the subsequent step S1013, a reselecting operation isperformed, and then in step S1014, a confirmation of a normal status issent out, and the operation is terminated.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart which illustrates a session mode transmissionoperation. In step S1101 shown in FIG. 10, a check is made to determinewhether a connection with a predetermined terminal partner up to thesession layer has been made. If it is determined that this operationcannot be continued, a confirmation of this status is sent out in stepS1102, and the operation is terminated.

If, however, the above-mentioned connection has been made in thedetermination of step S1101, a disconnecting operation is performed instep S1103. In the subsequent step S1104, a document is transmitted. Ifit is determined in step S1105 that the document transmission operationhas been terminated abnormally, the process proceeds to step S1106, atwhich step a reselecting operation is performed. In the subsequent stepSl107, a confirmation of this status is sent out, and the operation isterminated.

On the other hand, if the document transmission operation has beenterminated normally in the determination of step S1105, a reselectingoperation is performed in step S1108. In the subsequent step S1109, aconfirmation of a normal status is sent out, and the operation isterminated.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart which illustrates the operation concerningreception request processing. In step S1201 shown in FIG. 11, a check ismade to determine whether the facsimile apparatus is ready forreception. If it is determined that the facsimile apparatus is not readyfor reception, a confirmation of this status is sent out in step S1202,and the operation is terminated.

If it is determined that the facsimile apparatus is ready for reception,the process proceeds to step S1203 where a disconnecting operation isperformed, and then the process proceeds to step S1204, at which stepthe apparatus waits for reception. In this embodiment, the apparatuswaits for an incoming call from an arbitrary terminal. If there is acall, a reception operation is performed, receiving the call. In stepS1205, the result of the reception is checked. If it is "not OK", theprocess proceeds to step S1206 where a reselecting operation isperformed. In the subsequent step S1207, a confirmation of this statusis sent out, and the operation is terminated.

If, on the contrary, the indication of the reception result is "OK", thereceived document is filed in step S1208. If the reception resultindicated in step S1209 is "not OK", the process proceeds to step S1206;if the reception result indicates that it is "OK", the process proceedsto step S1210.

In steps S1206 and S1210, a reselecting operation is performed. In stepS1207, a confirmation of this status is sent out. In step S1211, aconfirmation of a normal status is sent out. This terminates theoperation.

FIGS. 12-1 and 12-2 are flowcharts which illustrate a call pollingoperation procedure.

In step S1301 shown in FIG. 12-1, first, a check is made of the statuswithin the facsimile apparatus. If it is determined that this operationcannot be continued, a confirmation of this status is sent out in stepS1302, and the operation is terminated. If, on the contrary, thisoperation can be continued, the process proceeds to step S1303, at whichstep a disconnecting operation is performed. In the subsequent stepS1304, a call is originated to the terminal partner specified by thehost computer, and a connection up to the session layer is made. Then,in step S1305, the result of the operation is checked. If it is "notOK", the process proceeds to step S1313 (see FIG. 12-2).

If the determination result in step S1305 is "OK", an operation forreversing a transmission privilege (reversing a session) is performed instep S1306. In the subsequent step S1307, the facsimile apparatus waitsfor a document to be reached. When a document from the terminal partnerbegins to be reached by CDS, the document is received in step S1308.However, if it is requested that the transmission privilege is reversedin a state in which the document is not being transmitted from theterminal partner, the process proceeds to step S1311 (see FIG. 12-2).

The result of the reception operation is checked in step S1309. If it is"OK", the process proceeds to step S1310 where the received document isfiled. If, on the contrary, it is "not OK", the process proceedsdirectly to step S1311 shown in FIG. 12-2, at which step a transmissionprivilege reversing operation is performed so as to return thetransmission privilege to its original state. Then, in step S1312, theline is disconnected. In the subsequent step S1313, a reselectingoperation is performed. Then, in step S1314, checks are made todetermine whether the series of operations have been terminated normallyor abnormally. When the series of operations have been terminatednormally, a confirmation of a normal status regarding the series ofoperations is sent out in step S1315. When the series of operations havebeen terminated abnormally, a confirmation of this status is sent out instep S1316. This terminates the series of operations.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart which illustrates a session mode pollingreception operation. In step S1401 shown in FIG. 13, a check is made todetermine whether a connection up to the session layer has been made andthis operation can be performed. If it is determined that this operationcannot be performed, a confirmation of this status is sent out in stepS1402, and the operation is terminated. If, on the contrary, thisoperation can be performed, a disconnecting operation is performed instep S1403. In the subsequent step S1404, an operation for reversing atransmission privilege is performed.

In step S1405, the apparatus waits for the reception of a document. Whena document starts to be transferred by CDS from a terminal partner, thedocument is received in step S1406. If it is requested that thetransmission privilege be reversed immediately from the terminalpartner, postprocessing incidental to that request is performed in stepS1409.

In step S1407, the result of the document reception operation ischecked. If the document reception operation has been terminatednormally, the document is filed in step S1408. If, however, the documentreception operation has been terminated abnormally, the process proceedsdirectly to step S1409, at which step an operation for reversing atransmission privilege is performed. In the subsequent step S1410, areselecting operation is performed, and then the results of theoperations up to this point are checked.

If the operations have been terminated normally, a confirmation of anormal status regarding the operations is sent out in step S1412; if theoperations have been terminated abnormally, a confirmation of thisstatus is sent out in step S1413. This terminates the series ofoperations.

As has been explained above, according to this embodiment, an interfacesection is provided with flexibility so that commands can be sent from afacsimile apparatus to a host computer such as a personal computer, orvice versa. As a result, there is an advantage in that the units whichconstitute the facsimile apparatus can be easily and flexibly used totheir fullest by a host computer.

The use of the SCSI standard as an interface results in the advantagethat images can be transferred between facsimile apparatuses and a hostcomputer at a speed higher than that when the conventional RS-232C, GPIBor the like are used. In addition, there is the advantage that thenumber of steps required for the development of applications on the hostcomputer side can be reduced because a more flexible, logical interfaceis provided for the development thereof.

Although in the above-described embodiment, the facsimile apparatus hasone scanner, one printer, one image memory, and each of the unitsrelated to communication control, a modification can be made, withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present invention, in whichthe facsimile apparatus has two or more of each other these elements, orin which one of these elements is not provided.

In addition, the present invention may be applied to a system formed ofa plurality of components, or to an apparatus formed of one component.It goes without saying that the present invention may be applied to acase in which the object thereof is achieved by supplying programs to asystem or apparatus.

As has been explained above, according to the present invention,commands can be sent from a facsimile apparatus to a host computer suchas a personal computer, or vice versa. As a result, there is anadvantage in that the units which constitute the facsimile apparatus canbe easily and flexibly used to their fullest by a host computer.

Many different embodiments of the present invention may be constructedwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Itshould be understood that the present invention is not limited to thespecific embodiment described in this specification. To the contrary,the present invention is intended to cover various modifications andequivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of theclaims. The following claims are to be accorded a broad interpretation,so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures andfunctions.

What is claimed is:
 1. A data communication system, comprising:a datacommunication apparatus, comprising:storage means for storing images asa file, and being capable of storing a plurality of files; output meansfor outputting images; communication means for controlling transmissionand reception of data to/from another communication apparatus; and aninterface for connecting said data communication apparatus and a hostcomputer, wherein the host computer controls said storage means, saidoutput means and said communication means by communicating commands withsaid data communication apparatus, said data communication apparatusfurther comprising: notification means for notifying the host computerof a list of file IDs for retrieving the files stored in said storagemeans; and control means for controlling so as to output a filecorresponding to an input file ID in accordance with a command includingthe input file ID from the host computer by said output means, whereinthe host computer receives the list of file IDs of which notification isprovided by said notification means in accordance with transmission of apredetermined command and transmits command including the input file IDas one of the file IDs in the list.
 2. A system according to claim 1,wherein the host computer comprises means for transferring imagesproduced by the host computer to said data communication apparatus, andsaid storage means stores the transferred images.
 3. A system accordingto claim 2, wherein said data communication apparatus further comprisesmeans for deleting images stored in said storage means underinstructions from the host computer.
 4. A system according to claim 2,wherein said data communication apparatus further comprises means fortransferring information about images stored in said storage means underinstructions from the host computer.
 5. A system according to claim 1,wherein said communication means connects to the other communicationapparatus under instructions from the host computer and includes meansfor transferring information about the other communication apparatus tothe host computer.
 6. A system according to claim 5, wherein saidcommunication means further transmits/receives images under instructionsfrom the host computer.
 7. A system according to claim 1, wherein thehost computer selects one of the files stored in said storage meansbased on the information notified by said notification means of saiddata communication apparatus.
 8. The data communication apparatus systemas recited in claim 1, wherein said data communication apparatus isincluded in a facsimile apparatus.
 9. A system according to claim 1,wherein said output means outputs images on a recording sheet.
 10. Adata communication apparatus in a data communication apparatus system inwhich a host computer is connected to the data communication apparatusthrough an interface, said data communication apparatuscomprising:storing means for storing images as a file, and being capableof storing a plurality of files; output means for outputting images;communication means for controlling transmission and reception of datato/from another communication apparatus; notification means fornotifying the host computer of a list of file IDs for retrieving thefiles stored in said storage means; and control means for controllingsaid output means so as to output a file corresponding to an input fileID in accordance with a command including the input file ID from thehost computer, wherein said notification notifies the host computer ofthe list of file IDs for retrieving the stored files upon receiving apredetermined command from the host computer, and said control meanscontrols said output means to output a file in accordance with thecommand including the input file ID as one of the file IDs in the list.11. The data communication apparatus system as recited in claim 10,wherein said data communication apparatus is included in a facsimileapparatus.
 12. An apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said outputmeans outputs images on a recording sheet.
 13. A computer readableprogram, stored in a storage medium, for controlling a datacommunication apparatus in a data communication apparatus system inwhich a host computer is connected to the data communication apparatusthrough an interface, said program comprising:a step for storing imagesas a file; a step for outputting said images stored as a file underinstructions from the host computer; a step for notifying the hostcomputer of a list of file IDs for retrieving the images stored as afile under instructions from the host computer; and a step forcontrolling said outputting step to output a file corresponding to aninput file ID in accordance with a command including the input file IDinput from the host computer as one of the file IDs in the list.
 14. Theprogram as recited in claim 13, wherein said data communicationapparatus is included in a facsimile apparatus.
 15. A program accordingto claim 13, wherein, in said outputting step, the images are outputtedon a recording sheet.
 16. A method of controlling a host computer in adata communication apparatus system in which the host computer isconnected to a bus of a data communication apparatus through aninterface, said method comprising:a notification instructing step forgiving instructions for the notification of a list of file IDs forretrieving the images stored in storage means of the data communicationapparatus as a file; a step for receiving information designated in saidnotification instructing step; and a step for instructing the datacommunication apparatus to output the images stored in the storage meansusing an output means by transmitting a command including a file ID ofwhich notification is provided in said receiving step.
 17. The method asrecited in claim 16, wherein said data communication apparatus isincluded in a facsimile apparatus.
 18. A method according to claim 16,wherein in said output instructing step, the images are outputted on arecording sheet.
 19. A data communication apparatus system, comprising:adata communication apparatus, comprising: communication means fortransmitting and receiving data to/from a remote terminal; and aninterface for connecting said data communication apparatus and a hostcomputer, wherein the host computer controls said communication means bycommunicating commands with said data communication apparatus, and saiddata communication apparatus further comprises: notification means fornotifying the host computer of information about a function of theremote terminal received by said communication means, wherein the hostcomputer receives information of which notification is provided by saidnotification means in accordance with transmission of a predeterminedcommand.
 20. A system according to claim 19, wherein the host computerincludes means for instructing said communication means to transmitdocuments after the host computer receives the information about theremote terminal.
 21. A system according to claim 20, wherein the hostcomputer includes means for instructing said communication means todiscontinue the transmission of a document.
 22. A system according toclaim 19, wherein said communication means sets a call with the remoteterminal under instructions from the host computer and receivesinformation about a function of the remote terminal, and saidnotification means notifies the host computer of the information aboutthe function of the remote terminal received by said communicationmeans.
 23. The data communication apparatus system as recited in claim19, wherein said data communication apparatus is included in a facsimileapparatus.
 24. A data communication apparatus in a data communicationapparatus system in which a host computer is connected to the datacommunication apparatus through an interface, said data communicationapparatus comprising:communication means for transmitting and receivingdata to/from a remote terminal; and notification means for notifying thehost computer of information about a function of the remote terminalreceived by said communication means, wherein said communication meansand said notification means are controlled by communication commandsfrom the host computer.
 25. A data communication apparatus according toclaim 24, wherein said communication means sets a call with the remoteterminal under instructions from the host computer and receivesinformation about a function of the remote terminal, and saidnotification means notifies the host computer of the information aboutthe function of the remote terminal received by said communicationmeans.
 26. The data communication apparatus system as recited in claim24, wherein said data communication apparatus is included in a facsimileapparatus.
 27. A computer readable program, stored in a storage medium,for controlling a data communication apparatus in a data communicationapparatus system, in which a host computer is connected to the datacommunication apparatus through an interface, said program comprising:astep for receiving data from a remote terminal, including informationabout a function of the remote terminal; and a notification step fornotifying the host computer of the information about the function of theremote terminal received in said receiving step.
 28. A program accordingto claim 27, wherein, in said receiving step, a call is set with theremote terminal under instructions from the host computer andinformation about a function of the remote terminal is received, and, insaid notification step, the information about the function of the remoteterminal received in said receiving step is notified to the hostcomputer.
 29. The program as recited in claim 27, wherein said datacommunication apparatus is included in a facsimile apparatus.
 30. Amethod of controlling a host computer in a data communication apparatussystem in which the host computer is connected to a data communicationapparatus through an interface, said method comprising:a transmissioninstructing step for instructing the data communication apparatus totransmit images using communication means of the data communicationapparatus to a remote terminal; a notification instructing step forgiving instructions for the notification of information about a functionof the remote terminal which the data communication apparatus receivedthrough the communication means; and a receiving step for receivinginformation designated in said notification instructing step.
 31. Amethod of controlling a host computer according to claim 30, wherein, insaid receiving step, a call is set between the data communicationapparatus and the remote terminal under the instructions given in saidtransmission instructing step, and wherein information about a functionof the remote terminal is received from the remote terminal through thedata communication apparatus under the instructions given in saidnotification instructing step.
 32. The method as recited in claim 30,wherein said data communication apparatus is included in a facsimileapparatus.
 33. An image processing apparatus system, comprising:an imageprocessing apparatus comprising: reading means for reading an originalimage; storage means for storing images as a file; and an interface forconnecting said image processing apparatus and a host computer; andnotification means for notifying the host computer of informationwhether a document is set on said reading means or not, wherein the hostcomputer transmits a reading parameter for said reading means to saidimage processing apparatus, and said reading means of said imageprocessing apparatus reads the original image of the document based onthe reading parameter transmitted from the host computer and stores theread image as a file in said storage means.
 34. A system according toclaim 33, wherein said notification means notifies the host computer ofa cause of abnormality.
 35. An image procesing apparatus systemaccording to claim 12, wherein a reading parameter which the hostcomputer transmits includes resolution, readiug size or density.
 36. Theimage processing apparatus system as recited in claim 33, wherein saidimage processing apparatus is included in a facsimile apparatus.
 37. Animage processing apparatus in an image processing apparatus system inwhich a host computer is connected to the image processing apparatusthrough an interface, said image processing apparatus comprising:readingmeans for reading an original image; storage means for storing images asa file; notification means for notifying the host computer ofinformation whether or not a document is set on said reading means; andreceiving means for receiving a reading parameter for reading images ofthe document from the host computer, wherein said reading means readsthe original image based on the reading parameter thus received and saidstorage means stores the read images as a file.
 38. A data communicationapparatus according to claim 37, wherein said notification meansnotifies the host computer of a cause of abnormality.
 39. An imageprocessing apparatus according to claim 27, wherein a reading parameterwhich said reading means receives includes resolution, reading size ordensity.
 40. The image processing apparatus system as recited in claim37, wherein said image processing apparatus is included in a facsimileapparatus.
 41. A computer readable program, stored in a storage medium,for controlling an image processing apparatus in an image processingapparatus system in which a host computer is connected to the imageprocessing apparatus through an interface, said program comprising:astoring step for storing images as a file in storage means of the imageprocessing apparatus; a notification step for notifying the hostcomputer of information whether a document is set on a reading means ofthe image processing apparatus; a reading step for reading images of thedocument by the reading means under instructions from the host computer;and a reception step for receiving a reading parameter for reading theimages of the document from the host computer, wherein, in said storingstep, the images are read by the reading means based on the receivedreading parameter, and, in said storing step, the read images are storedas a file.
 42. A program according to claim 41, wherein, in saidnotification step, a cause of abnormality is notified to the hostcomputer.
 43. A program according to claim 41, wherein, in saidreception step, the reading parameter to be received includesresolution, reading size or density.
 44. The program as recited in claim41, wherein said image processing apparatus is included in a facsimileapparatus.
 45. A method for controlling a host computer in an imageprocessing apparatus system in which the host computer is connected toan image processing apparatus through an interface, said methodcomprising:a notification instructing step for giving instructions fornotification of information whether a document is set on reading meansof the image processing apparatus; a receiving step for receiving theinformation from the image processing apparatus under instructions givenin said notification instructing step; a reading instructing step forinstructing the image processing apparatus to read images of thedocument; a transmission step for transmitting a reading parameter forreading the images to the image processing apparatus; and a storageinstructing step for instructing said image processing device to storethe read images in storage means as a file.
 46. A method of controllinga host computer according to claim 45, wherein, in said receiving step,notification as to a cause of abnormality is provided to the hostcomputer.
 47. A method of controlling a host computer according to claim45, wherein, in said transmission step, the reading parameter to betransmitted includes resolution, reading size or density.
 48. The methodas recited in claim 45, wherein said image processing apparatus isincluded in a facsimile apparatus.
 49. An image processing apparatussystem, comprising:a host computer; an image processing apparatus; andan interface for connecting said host computer and said image processingapparatus, and said image processing apparatus comprising:manipulationmeans for inputting a manual instruction; a first processing means forperforming a processing on the basis of the instruction by saidmanipulation means; a second processing means for performing aprocessing on the basis of a command transmitted from said host computervia said interface; and a control means for controlling to give priorityto the processing by said second processing means over the processing bysaid first processing means.
 50. A system according to claim 49, saidimage processing apparatus further comprising:setting means for settinga mode in which the processing by said second processing means can beperformed, wherein said control means controls by giving priority to theprocessing by said second processing means over the processing by saidfirst processing means in case the mode by said setting means is set.51. The image processing apparatus system as recited in claim 49,wherein said image processing apparatus is included in a facsimileapparatus.
 52. An image processing apparatus in an image processingapparatus system in which a host computer is connected to the imageprocessing apparatus through an interface, said image processingapparatus comprising:manipulation means for inputting a manualinstruction; a first processing means for performing a processing on thebasis of the instruction by said manipulation means; a second processingmeans for performing a processing on the basis of a command transmittedfrom the host computer via said interface; and control means forcontrolling to give priority to the processing by said second processingmeans over the processing by said first processing means.
 53. An imageprocessing apparatus according to claim 59, further comprising:settingmeans for setting a mode in which the processing by said secondprocessing means can be performed, wherein said control means controlsby giving priority to the processing by said second processing meansover the processing by said first processing means in case the mode bysaid setting means is set.
 54. The image processing apparatus as recitedin claim 52, wherein said image processing apparatus is included in afacsimile apparatus.
 55. A computer readable program, stored in astorage medium, for controlling an image processing apparatus in animage processing apparatus system in which a host computer is connectedto the image processing apparatus through an interface, said programcomprising:a step for inputting a manual instruction from a manipulationmeans of the image processing apparatus; a first processing step forperforming a processing in the image processing apparatus on the basisof the instruction from the manipulation means; a second processing stepfor performing a processing in the image processing apparatus on thebasis of a command transmitted from the host computer via the interface;and a step for controlling the processing in said second processing stepwhich has priority over the processing in said first processing step.56. The program as recited in claim 55, wherein said image processingapparatus is included in a facsimile apparatus.
 57. A data communicationapparatus system, comprising:a data communication apparatuscomprising:communication means for controlling transmission andreception of data to/from another communication apparatus; an interfacefor connecting said data communication apparatus and a host computer;and notification means for notifying the host computer of a model typeand a model version of said data communication apparatus via saidinterface,wherein the host computer receives information about the modeltypes of the model version of said data communication apparatus bytransmitting a predetermined command thereto.
 58. The data communicationapparatus system as recited in claim 57, wherein said data communicationapparatus is included in a facsimile apparatus.
 59. A data communicationapparatus system according to claim 57, wherein said notification meansnotifies said host computer of the model type and the model version inone set.
 60. A data communication apparatus in a data communicationapparatus system in which a host computer is connected to the datacommunication apparatus through an interface, said data communicationapparatus comprising:communication means for controlling transmissionand reception of data to/from another communication apparatus; aninterface for connecting said data communication apparatus and a hostcomputer; and notification means for notifying the host computer ofinformation about a model type and a model version of said datacommunication apparatus under instructions from the host computer. 61.The data communication apparatus as recited in claim 60, wherein saiddata communication apparatus is included in a facsimile apparatus.
 62. Adata communication apparatus system according to claim 60, wherein saidnotification means notifies said host computer of the model type and themodel version in one set.
 63. A computer readable program, stored in astorage medium, for controlling a data communication apparatus in a datacommunication apparatus system in which a host computer is connected tothe data communication apparatus through an interface, said programcomprising:a receiving step for receiving a predetermined command fromthe host computer; and a notification step for notifying the hostcomputer of information about a model type and a model version of thedata communication apparatus in accordance with the receivedpredetermined command.
 64. The program as recited in claim 63, whereinsaid data communication apparatus is included in a facsimile apparatus.65. A program according to claim 63, wherein, in said notification step,the model type and the model version are notified to the host computerin one set.
 66. A method of controlling a host computer in a datacommunication apparatus in which the host computer is connected to thedata communication apparatus through an interface, said methodcomprising:a notification instruction step for giving instructions forthe notification of information about a model type and a model versionof the data communication apparatus; and a step for receivinginformation designated in said notification instructing step.
 67. Themethod as recited in claim 66, wherein said data communication apparatusis included in a facsimile apparatus.
 68. A method according to claim66, wherein, in said receiving step, the model type and the modelversion are received from the data communication apparatus in one set.